Do you know what DOG ESSENTIALS you are missing out? Find out now!
Zack Keithy, our author, is a certified veterinarian technician (UC Blue Ash) for over 6 years (contact him here). The articles written here are based on his expertise and experience, combined with a review by our expert vet reviewers including Dr M. Tarantino. Learn more about us here.
If you have every struggled with a misbehaving dog, you will know how it feels like. Frustration, helplessness, or a sense of dread – all in the same day.
You’ve probably found yourself avoiding walks at certain times, worried your dog will pull like crazy or bark at every passing stranger.
Or maybe you’ve skipped inviting friends over, knowing your pup will jump all over them before you can even apologize.
It’s that sinking feeling of not knowing what will set them off next, and the constant thought of, “Is this ever going to get better?”
Well, the answer is yes, but it’s not as straightforward as you might think, and it certainly requires a fair bit of work from you.
Are you up for it?
If you want a better behaved dog that you can build fond memories with, read on for my top tips on giving them the best training.
My First Dog – Bailey
I’ll never forget the day I brought my dog, Bailey, home.
He was this ball of energy, bouncing off the walls, and I thought, “How hard can this training thing be?”
Well, it turns out, a lot harder than I expected!
One day, after he chewed through yet another pair of shoes, I knew something had to change.
I decided to dive into training, starting with simple commands.
But Bailey wasn’t having it.
He’d look at me, tilt his head, and do the exact opposite of what I asked.
It felt like we were getting nowhere.
I’m sure you’ve been there, too, wondering if your dog’s ever going to sit when you ask, or if ‘stay’ just means ‘keep running.’
I knew I needed help, and after spending many hours and a chunk of my savings (I was still a student at that time!), I now know a few things that you will definitely benefit from.
Tip 1: Consistency is Key
The foundation of effective dog training is consistency.
Use the same commands and rewards every single time to help your dog understand what’s expected.
Just think about it, if your co-worker is always giving your different instructions, how are you supposed to do your job?
Remember, mixed signals can confuse your pup and slow down progress.
Key point: you need a structured approach to guarantee consistency.
Tip 2: Positive Reinforcement
I have vivid memories of my neighbor.
He screamed and shouted at his poor dog the entire day, and it was unbearable.
Not only was he unable to train his dog, he eventually got reported and had his dog taken away.
Today, positive reinforcement is the gold standard when it comes to training dogs.
Rewarding your dog for good behavior is far more effective than punishment.
Treats, praise, and playtime can turn training into a fun activity that your dog looks forward to.
Key point: you need proven techniques that make positive reinforcement easy.
Tip 3: Short Training Sessions
Even we humans don’t have a long attention span, so let’s not expect our dogs to be different.
Keep training sessions short and focused—10 to 15 minutes is ideal.
This prevents both you and your dog from getting frustrated and helps maintain their interest.
Key point: you need a range of quick, engaging exercises that can be used daily.
Tip 4: Incorporate Training into Daily Life
Use everyday moments as training opportunities.
Whether it’s waiting for the door to open or practicing “sit” before mealtime, integrating training into daily routines can reinforce commands naturally.
Key point: this approach helps your dog learn that training isn’t just for special sessions but part of life.
Tip 5: Train with Distractions
I don’t know if you’ve seen one of those videos where the dog doesn’t eat a snack that’s placed right in front of them.
That’s amazing self control and can only be achieved through training.
And by gradually introducing distractions into training sessions, you can help your dog learn to focus amidst chaos.
Key point: start with low-level distractions and gradually increase the difficulty.
Tip 6: Teach “Settle” for Calm Behavior
I personally love this command, especially in high-energy situations like excitement jumping when visitors come.
This can help your dog understand when it’s time to calm down, which can improve overall behavior.
Key point: you need a step by step method to properly teach your dog this command.
Tip 7: Make Training a Game
And finally, I highly recommend turning training into a fun activity by incorporating games and challenges.
Games like hide-and-seek or “find the treat” not only make training enjoyable but also engage your dog’s mind and strengthen their problem-solving skills.
Key point: you need a bunch of creative and innovative training games to engage your dog.
“Consistency is the foundation of effective dog training. With patience and positive reinforcement, you can transform your pup into a well-behaved, obedient companion.”
How Do You Get Started?
I really hope the tips here can provide a solid foundation for you and pave the way for you to start training with your dog.
Implementing these strategies is a great start, but to take your training to the next level and ensure long-lasting results, having access to expert resources can make a big difference.
In my own experience, working with a professional is the fastest and most effective way to train a dog.
You get:
- Expert guidance
- Easy to follow dog training videos
- Customized training plans
- Consistency and structure
- Support and Motivation
- Long-Term Success
That’s where a structured training program comes in.
It offers step-by-step plans and professional insights designed to address every aspect of dog training, helping you and your pup succeed together.
Personally, I prefer going the online route as it suited my lifestyle (as well as my wallet) better, and the results were great!
For less than a few dog toys and a training collar, you can get started right away.
